Cole turned down an offer from Spurs in order to move to Merseyside last summer, but the switch has not worked well for the Londoner, who failed to establish himself as a first-team regular last season.

"I like Joe. I signed him as an 11-year-old. He is a good player," said Redknapp. "I've got all the time in the world for him. We haven't made any enquiries about him but I wouldn't sit here and say I wouldn't have him at the club because if I did I'd be lying. I do like him."

Redknapp is short of options in midfield after a series of injuries hit his squad.

Luka Modric is one midfielder Redknapp has not been able to play this season, with niggling ankle, groin and hamstring injuries the official reason why the wantaway playmaker has not been available.

Redknapp revealed on Monday that the 25-year-old has been unsettled by Chelsea's dogged pursuit of the player and was not included in the squad for the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on Monday night as a result.

Modric did not train with his team-mates on Wednesday morning, but could feature in Thursday's Europa League play-off second leg against Hearts despite the Londoners being 5-0 up from the first game.

That would drastically reduce the prospect of Modric moving to Chelsea as it would cup tie him for the Champions League group stages, but Redknapp could not care less.

"We are not in the Champions League so it won't affect us," the 64-year-old said.

"I'm not bothered about anyone else. He is here, we love him, he is a great player and I need him back playing. The chairman has made it clear that he is not for sale so he has to crack on with it now and I'm sure he will."